A true experience Past Review
By Andrea C (Public Health, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/21/2018 to 07/13/2018 with
CIEE: Buenos Aires - Summer Community Public Health
I learned more patience and I believe it was worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was not always extremely organized, which was difficult at times when plans kept on changing. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with two lovely families and would do it again in a heartbeat. |
| * Food: |
I never had a problem with the food, everything was extremely delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated, I learned the bus system, the subway system, my neighborhood and so much more so well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I know those who needed medical care were able to get the care they needed right away |
| * Safety: |
It's a big city and just like any city, you should keep an eye on your things |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | The first three weeks in Buenos Aires was 10 or so dollars a day and then in Concepcion it was 1 dollar for a meal at the university, however, shopping for clothes or things along those lines were expensive, more than in the states |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Definitely go to places locals go to, ask your host family for suggestions for food and whatever else you are looking for |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I did the IB dual language diploma, so I took Spanish Literature. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't be afraid to speak, say whatever you want to |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Where I was going to stay and the place I would stay for my fieldwork |
